Leadership

Martin McDonald
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Martin McDonald is the Founder and Executive Director of the Black DIamonds Academic Success Program. Martin recently retired from the Ossining School District after 20 years of service as their Cable TV Station Manager and Programmer, creating video content for the district for grades K-12. He also managed the local high school radio station WOSS 91.1 FM and served as Advisor to the Radio Club and Video Club. Additionally, Martin served as the creator and Advisor to Project Earthquake, a Black male mentoring program, for 9 years. Martin is married, with 4 loving children. He is a member of Mt Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill NAACP and Peekskill Rotary Club. He also served 3 years as president of the Peekskill NAACP.

Amy Perlow
BOARD CHAIR

Amy is a Peekskill-based consultant who works with non-profit organizations to prepare students for success in college, career, and community. She currently develops tools and systems across a large network of NYC public high schools and coaches a portfolio of schools to ensure students graduate with a clearly articulated plan for continued education, training, or employment. Additionally, she directs a youth employment program that utilizes near-peer mentors to support recent graduates.

Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from SUNY Binghamton and a Master’s degree in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State College. In addition to serving as board chair for BDAS, she also serves as education committee chair for the Peekskill NAACP and as a board member for Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP).

Andrew Hardy
VICE CHAIR

Andrew Hardy is a distinguished addition to the Black Diamonds Academic Success board. Leveraging a robust background in construction management, Andrew infuses our team with his strategic prowess and collaborative ethos. His years of orchestrating intricate projects underscore his commitment to precision and effective leadership. With Andrew's arrival, the path to empowering the next generation gains a guiding force, poised to elevate our impact. Andrew's arrival adds a guiding force to our mission of empowering the next generation, bolstering our impact in meaningful ways.

Liz Corio
BOARD TREASURER

Liz (she/her) is a seasoned consultant who brings a diversity of professional experiences to her career as a voluntary benefits advisor with Aflac and other insurance carriers. Leveraging her 20 years' experience in nonprofit leadership, development and management, Liz now focuses her energies on helping employers support their teams with holistic, tailored and powerful benefits that provide end-to-end resources for all of life's challenges. Prior to Aflac, Liz was Vice President of Development and Outreach at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive accreditation, and served on the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Liz is a proud member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of Westchester and the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her board service with Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc., she enjoys volunteering with Second Chance Foods and other food access and food sovereignty organizations. Liz holds degrees from Fordham University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Janice Haughton
BOARD SECRETARY

Janice Haughton, Community & Citizenship Director for Turner Construction Company, leads and administers outreach initiatives for small business compliance, economic/community development and youth mentoring programs for the business unit. She maintains senior management awareness, employee engagement and policy communication of these Programs, by identifying strategies for procurement and referring small businesses to assists Turner in meeting its commitments and inclusion goals. She works closely with clients, procurement, project construction teams and community leaders to create an environment of inclusion for small businesses, local residents and community based organizations. This includes the development and execution of customized utilization programs with strategic community outreach plans and monitoring mechanisms for compliance reporting.

Felix Flores
BOARD MEMBER

Felix retired after working 26 years as an elementary school educator, including 16 years as an administrator. He has been an adjunct instructor and professor for Mercy College since 2013 and continues to enjoy the interactions with graduate students who are prospective teachers.

He is presently the Professional Development School liaison for Manhattanville College working with schools in the Ossining and Peekskill School Districts. He also currently volunteers supporting programs and activities of the Peekskill City School District and its Parent Resource Center.

Donald M. Ruff, Jr.
BOARD MEMBER

Donald is the President & CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation (EAF). This nonprofit organization educates and mentors young men of color into future leaders committed to excellence in character, scholastic achievement, and community service and promotes these principles nationally.

Mr. Ruff is a charismatic visionary who works tirelessly on behalf of young people and their families to improve communities. He joined EAF in 2007 as the founding Director of College Counseling, helping establish strategic partnerships resulting in $2 million of in-kind support, including corporate collaborations, enrichment programming, internships, and travel abroad opportunities for Eagle students.

Juliette Dudowitz BOARD MEMBER - ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Juliette is a dedicated and accomplished individual with a passion for community service and youth empowerment. Born in Washington Heights, Juliette brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the Peekskill community.

Juliette pursued higher education at Fordham University earning her BS Degree. Her academic journry laid a solid foundation for her successful 30-year career in banking. Throughout her banking career she demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of financial management.

Juliette’s dedication to community service extends to her role as a volunteer at BDAS, where she works tirelessly to create a positive environment for young black and brown men in the community. Her vision is to see BDAS flourish and become a cornerstone organization in communities across New York State